2020 GMC Yukon

The 2020 Yukon can be bought in two main trims; the SLE and the SLT. The SLE starts at $50,600 and offers ample features. However, upscale features like leather upholstery along with heated front and second-row seats make the SLT trim more desirable.

Each trim can be configured with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, and the option to choose between a 5.3L V8 or a 6.2L high output V8 that puts out 420 horsepower.

Trims	SLE	SLT
MSRP	$50,600	$54,800
Key Features	Cloth upholstery	Leather upholstery
	Front bench seats (optional bucket seats)	Heated front and second-row seats
	8” infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto	Power folding second and third-row seats
	4G LTE and WiFi system	Automatic emergency braking (optional)
	Three-zone climate control	Rear seat entertainment system (optional)
	Automatic wipers	Navigation (optional)
	Bose audio system	Moonroof (optional)

Which trim do we recommend?

The SLT model seems to be the better choice here as it offers a host of upscale features, the highlight being leather upholstery over the SLE’s cloth. Going for the 6.2L optional V8 engine does not hurt either as it offers better torque delivery at lower RPMs, making the ride quality far superior to that of the standard engine.

For 2020, the Yukon can be configured with two engines, both being V8s can satisfy the needs of enthusiasts and heavy haulers alike. The standard engine produces over 350 horsepower coupled to a flawless six-speed automatic gearbox.

The power delivery from the standard 5.3L engine feels sluggish and delivers lack-luster acceleration at lower revs. The 6.2 L V8 is where things start to get interesting, it produces 420 horsepower along with 460 foot-pounds of torque, delivering power through a ten-speed automatic transmission. With the bigger Engine the Yukon feels like a completely different vehicle, the ride quality gets smoother and the sluggishness of the standard engine vanishes.

Models	GMC Yukon SLE/SLT	Chevrolet Tahoe LS/LT	Ford Expedition* XLT	Nissan Armada* SV	Toyota Sequoia SR5
MSRP	$50,600	$49,000	$52,130	$47,100	$49,905
Engine	5.3L V-8 Gas Engine	5.3L V-8 Gas Engine	3.5L EcoBoost V-6 Gas Engine	5.6L DOHC 32-valve V-8 Engine	5.7L V-8 Gas Engine
Transmission	6-speed automatic	6-speed automatic	10-speed automatic	7-speed automatic	6-speed automatic
Power	355 hp @ 5600 rpm	355 hp @ 5600 rpm	375 hp @ 5000 rpm	390 hp @ 5800 rpm	381 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	383 lb/ft. @ 4100 rpm	383 lb/ft. @ 4100 rpm	470 lb/ft. @ 3500 rpm	394 lb/ft. @ 4000 rpm	401 lb/ft. @ 3600 rpm

Compared to the rivals the Yukon sits at the bottom of the list, it offers the least power and torque as standard. The only time Yukon excels over the competitors is when it’s equipped with the bigger engine.

How fast is it?

6.5 seconds to reach 60 mph in an SUV as big as the Yukon is quite impressive and at par with the rivals. It lacks the initial punch while going hard on the gas but catches up as soon as the engine reaches its favored RPMs.

The acceleration may not be the first thing to look for in a full-size SUV. But considering the Yukon can be matched by its heavier rivals in 0-60 mph runs, and even lose in a quarter-mile speedrun, the 2020 Yukon starts to seem disappointing at best.

Models	GMC Yukon SLE/SLT	Chevrolet Tahoe LS/LT	Ford Expedition* XLT	Nissan Armada* SV	Toyota Sequoia SR5
0-60 MPH	6.5 sec	6.5 sec	6.5sec	6.5 sec	6.8 sec
Quarter Mile	16.7 sec @91 MPH	16.7 sec @91 MPH	15.1 sec @ 90 MPH	15 sec @ 93 MPH	15.3 sec @92 MPH
Engine	5.3L	5.3L	3.5L	5.6L	5.7L
Emission Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K Mi/year	9.2	9.2	8.8	11.0	11.7

Acceleration with the bigger 6.2L V8 is phenomenal. It takes around 5.5 seconds to hit 60 mph blowing the competitors into thin air. However, with the optional motor, the Yukon also gets pricier.

How do the brakes perform on GMC Yukon?

One thing that Yukon lags behind in is braking performance. One might expect Yukon to have the best braking performance, being the lightest SUV among the competition. But it has the worst braking performance in its class, the 2020 Yukon takes 137 ft. from 60 mph to 0 mph.

During hard braking, the response from the brake pedal is sluggish and poor. Choosing the optional automatic emergency braking may not be the worst idea if you are looking to settle for a GMC Yukon.

Model	GMC Yukon SLE/SLT	Chevrolet Tahoe LS/LT	Ford Expedition* XLT	Nissan Armada* SV	Toyota Sequoia SR5
Brake pads Front (in)	15.6	15.6	13.5	13.8	13.9
Brake pads Rear (in)	10.88	10.88	13.2	13.8	13.6
Curb weight (lbs)	5,466	5,466	5,801	5,576	5,730
60-0 MPH	137 ft.	137 ft.	121 ft.	128 ft.	130 ft.

As compared to the rivals, the Ford Expedition takes the victory here even though it is the heaviest vehicle of the segment. Other SUVs from the likes of Toyota and Nissan are at par with Ford in terms of braking performance.

How is it with the ride and handling?

The massive size and body on frame construction affects Yukon’s handling and ride quality. Maneuvering a Yukon in urban areas or city traffic is quite a chore even for the best of drivers.

The Yukon rides smoothly most of the time, but to the larger wheels, the ride quality is affected. However, the optional of adaptive suspension improves the ride quality to a great extent. The overall ride quality is still impressive and comfortable, especially when considering that the Yukon is basically a pickup truck in a suit.

What about the towing capacity?

Thanks to the truck-based chassis and torquey V8 engine, the Yukon can impressively tow up to 8,500 pounds. With the exceptional capability of hauling heavy loads along with the upscale design, the Yukon not only provides luxury but practicality and utility as well.

For maximum towing capacity go for the configuration of 6.2L EcoTec3 V-8 with the Max Trailering Package to increase your towing capacity to 8,500 lbs.

Model	GMC Yukon SLE/SLT	Chevrolet Tahoe LS/LT	Ford Expedition* XLT	Nissan Armada* SV	Toyota Sequoia SR5
Engine	5.3L	5.3L	3.5L	5.6L	5.7L
Drive Train	2WD	2WD	AWD	2WD	2WD
Capacity (lbs)	8500	8500	9300	8500	7400

The maximum trailering capacity is at par with all the competition except the Ford Expedition which is the best in class.

One of the reasons to buy a 2020 Yukon is the fuel economy, 16 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway which surpasses most of the competition (if equipped with the 5.3L V-8 with 2WD). Thanks to the cylinder deactivation tech, half of the cylinders are deactivated at highway cruising speeds to save fuel and provide better efficiency.

However, once equipped with the bigger 6.2L V-8 engine, it loses some mileage and opting for 4WD also decreased efficiency by 1 mpg.

Model	GMC Yukon SLE/SLT	Chevrolet Tahoe LS/LT	Ford Expedition* XLT	Nissan Armada* SV	Toyota Sequoia SR5
MPG (City)	16	14	17	14	13
MPG (Highway)	23	23	24	19	17
MPG (Combined)	19	18	20	16	15

The Ford provides best-in-class efficiency from its Ecoboost V6. While the Yukon’s 5.3L V-8 holds up quite well against other V8 equipped competitors in terms of efficiency.

From the commanding driving position to the excellent layout of the switchgear on the dash, it is hard to find any shortcomings when it comes to the interior of the 2019 GMC Yukon. The only quarrel with the Yukon that one can have is that the third row is not as spacious and comfortable for adults.

The Base SLE trim is the only trim that can be configured with the front-row bench seats above that every trim comes standard with front row bucket seats reducing the passenger capacity from nine to eight.

Models	GMC Yukon SLE/SLT	Chevrolet Tahoe LS/LT	Ford Expedition* XLT	Nissan Armada* SV	Toyota Sequoia SR5
Passenger Capacity	9	9	8	8	8
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	42.8/64.8/45.3	42.8/64.8/45.3	39.5/63.2/41.1	40.9/63.8/41.9	34.8/66.4/42.5
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	38.7/65.1/39.0	38.7/65.1/39.0	39.7/63.7/39.1	40.0/63.4/39.0	34.9/65.6/40.9
Third (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	38.1/62.6/24.8	38.1/62.6/24.8	38.0/67.1/37.7	36.4/60.5/28.3	34.5/65.7/35.3

The third-row seats lacks the cushioning of the first and second-row seats and can only be configured as a bench seat. Although the third-row seats are good enough for kids it is better to just fold them for better cargo capacity

Creature Comfort Features

Interior Features include

• Cloth upholstery
• Heated and ventilated seat (Optional)
• Heated steering wheel (Optional)
• Power adjustable pedals (Optional)
• Leather upholstery (Optional)
• Power-adjustable front seats

What tech comes loaded with the GMC Yukon?

Yukon is loaded with features and even the base Yukon offers android auto and apple car play. The specs are the same in the Yukon XL as well. Both the vehicles have 8” touch displays with GMCs IntelliLink system. The screen is responsive enough and the features include:

• A nine-speaker audio system
• Five USB ports
• Bluetooth
• Satellite radio
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

How much cargo space is offered?

The Yukon does not disappoint in terms of cargo capacity, but the high tailgate might be an issue for some while loading and loading luggage or other cargo. Yukon offers 15.3 cubic feet of cargo space and folding down the third row increases the figure to 51.7 cubic feet. Folding the second row pushes the figure to 94.7 cubic feet which is almost as good as smaller cargo vans. However, the competition outperforms the Yukon in terms of overall cargo capacity inside the cabin.

The 2020 Yukon is the perfect amalgamation of aggressive design and elegant looks, the boxy design separates it from the rivals and gives it old school charm.

GMC Yukon is the lightest among the competition at 5,466 lbs, the shortest wheelbase and the lowest ground clearance at just 8 inches but it makes the Yukon more stable and maneuverable than the rivals. However, the lower ground clearance means it is less capable off roads as compared to the other vehicles offering higher ground clearance.

Models	GMC Yukon SLE/SLT	Chevrolet Tahoe LS/LT	Ford Expedition* XLT	Nissan Armada* SV	Toyota Sequoia SR5
Curb weight (lbs)	5466	5466	5801	5576	5730
Length (in)	203.9	203.9	206.5	208.3	205.1
Width (in) (w/o mirror)	80.5	80.5	78.8	79.9	79.9
Height (in)	74.4	74.4	77.2	75.8	77.0
Ground clearance (in)	8.0	8.0	8.7	9.1	9.9
Wheelbase (in)	116.0	116.0	119.0	121.1	122
Track width (in) F/R	68.7/68.7	68.7/68.7	67.0/67.2	67.5/67.9	67.9/69.1

Yukon is the widest and the lowest of the bunch which gives it a meaner look and better handling as compared to the rest of the bunch. The Armada is the biggest in terms of exterior dimensions whereas the Sequoia has the highest ground clearance which results in inferior maneuverability.

What are the highlights of the Yukon's design?

The SLE and SLT trims are almost identical from the outside. The Yukon Denali is the only one that gets unique exterior design treatment, the front grille is all chrome and looks fancier, it also features HID headlamps with LED daytime running lights. There are 12 different designs of wheels and the sizes vary between 18 to 22 inches.

The IIHS has not crash-tested the 2020 Yukon SUV.

According to the NHTSA, Yukon earned a four-star overall rating, losing major points in rollover testing.

NHTSA Rating

Frontal barrier crash rating overall	4 star
Frontal barrier crash rating (driver)	4 star
Frontal barrier crash rating (passenger)	4 star
Side barrier rating overall	5 star
Side barrier rating (driver)	5 star
Side barrier rating (passenger)	5 star
Side crash rating	5 star
Combine side barrier and pole rating	5 star
Rollover	3 star
Overall rating	4 star

The 2019 Yukon is covered with a 3 year/36,000-mile warranty and a 5 year/60,000-mile warranty for the powertrain.

Safety Features

The 2020 Yukon is jam-packed with safety features and the innovative design for the placement of airbags so that the driver and the passenger do not collide with each other during a crash or collision is impressive.

• Advanced Air Bag System with dual-stage supplemental front airbags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors
• Driver and front passenger seat-mounted side-impact supplemental airbags
• Roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental airbags with rollover sensor help provide head protection for outboard occupants for all three rows
• 3-point ALR/ELR passenger seat belt system (ELR for the driver)
• Front seat belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters
• LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children)
• Child-safety rear door locks
• Adjustable Pedals
• Traction Control
• High-strength side-door guard beams
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, front and rear parking sensors along with the impressive low-speed automatic emergency braking which is standard except the SLE trim in which it is optional.

2020 GMC Yukon vs. 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe

Whether you prefer to go with GMC or Chevy, you get identical performance and identical engine configurations. The Yukon however, is more upscale and has a luxurious interior as compared to the Tahoe. 

The Tahoe appears to be modern from the outside as compared to Yukon’s boxier design. Another major difference is that the Yukon offers more features in the base SLE trim as compared to the Tahoe’s XLT trim.

2020 GMC Yukon vs. 2019 Ford Expedition

Comparing these two, the Expedition outperforms the Yukon in almost every category, whether it’s efficiency, comfort, performance. The Expedition is truly an exceptional vehicle that offers impeccable practicality and ensures maximum comfort during long rides.

The Expedition also seems to be a better choice for larger families as it offers the best cargo space behind the third-row seats.

2020 GMC Yukon vs. 2019 Nissan Armada

While comparing the two the results are clear, the Yukon is the clear winner, it offers better interior and infotainment system than the outdated Armada along with higher efficiency. 

The Armada offers lack-luster performance, combine that with outdated tech and features the SUV has, the Yukon outpaces it in every category.

2020 GMC Yukon vs. 2020 Toyota Sequoia

Toyota Sequoia has inferior ride quality and handling as compared to the GMC on the tarmac, but off-road the higher ground clearance helps the Sequoia to outshine the competition. The Yukon has better interior features whereas Sequoia has better interior space and cargo capacity.

 

The 2020 GMC Yukon offers sufficient features even at the base trim which none of the competition does. The interior is plush and luxurious, the exterior is clean and traditional in terms of looks. 

The option to upgrade the engine to a bigger V-8 turns the Yukon into a whole different animal. The Yukon might not be the best when compared to the competition in terms of utility and fuel economy but the Yukon is loaded with features, and with the addition of the bigger 6.2L V-8 also becomes more fun as well.